Abstract: The present invention provides stretchable laminates with a flat appearance on the visible surface. The laminates comprise a textile layer, a functional layer, and a plurality of elastic fibers. The plurality of elastic fibers are in a substantially parallel arrangement and the internal distance between adjacent fibers does not exceed the maximum fiber spacing, which depends on laminate thickness in a stretched state. Also provided are garments and footwear comprising the stretchable laminates and methods of producing the stretchable laminates.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to garments with adaptive ventilation. The garment has one or more flaps that open and close in response to the presence or absence of an external stimulus such as, for example, moisture. The one or more flaps remain closed in the absence of the external stimulus and open in the presence of the external stimulus thereby increasing or decreasing ventilation between an interior cavity of the garment and an external environment.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a vented upper-body garment that includes a plurality of panels that extend across a back aspect of a torso region of the garment, around first and second sides of the torso region, and at least partially across a front aspect of the torso region. Respective edges of the panels overlap each other to form vent openings that facilitate the flow of air into and out of the garment.

Abstract: A protective wash garment for use by workers during washing operations is disclosed. The protective wash garment is comprises a two-layer construction in which the first layer is a water resistant material. The second layer is a high porosity material that is laid over the first layer. Water that comes into contact with the second layer passes through and is caught between the first and second layer. The water then falls to the bottom of the first layer into a gutter formed by folding a bottom flap of the first layer up. The bottom flap is folded such that the gutter runs at an angle to urge the water that falls into the gutter to flow to a lower end of the gutter. The lower end of the gutter is beyond the feet of the worker wearing the garment. Thus, water spayed upon the garment falls into the gutter and flows out away from the feet of the worker wearing the garment.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to a garment that is insulating yet light weight, which may provide protection from the elements without weighing down the wearer. The garment in accordance with the technology described herein comprises a layer of thermally insulating sheet material having one or more voided portions in place of conventional down or other synthetic thermally insulating materials. The one or more voided portions allow the thermal insulation to be light weight and adequately protective in cooler/cold weather, without adding motion hindering bulk to the garment.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to breathable, vented, and insulating garments. More particularly, the technology described herein relates to garments with chambers to retain an insulating fill material. Openings along seams between the insulating chambers may achieve evaporative moisture or air transfer from the inside (proximal to the body of a wearer) of the garment to the outside environment. In an aspect, the garments comprise one or more insulated zones provided with one or more vented-insulation sections provided at locations on the garment configured to align with one or more areas of a wearer's body that are more sensitive to environmental conditions (e.g. temperature) and/or are prone to faster heat loss.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to vented and insulating garments having an interior garment assembly comprising an interior panel and a middle panel attached at one or more seams defining chambers for retaining thermally-insulating fill material. The seams have a first plurality of openings extending through the interior and middle panels. An exterior garment assembly has a second plurality of openings positioned on the exterior garment assembly such that the second plurality of openings are offset from the first plurality of openings when the exterior garment assembly is worn with the interior garment assembly. The offsetting of the openings may achieve moisture vapor or air transfer from the inside of the garment to the outside environment. The exterior garment assembly and the interior garment assembly may be discrete garment pieces or may be attached at one or more locations.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a stowable garment system that allows for quick deployment and donning of an upper-body garment that is stowed within a pouch located on the front of a belt structure configured to encircle the waist of a wearer. The garment comprises at least a front section and a back section, where a portion of the front section is attached to the pouch. The garment further comprises a first tab extending from a bottom margin at a first side of the back section and a second tab extending from the bottom margin at a second opposite side of the back section. When stowed within the pouch, the tabs extend through one or more openings in the pouch. The wearer may exert tension on the tabs to actuate a quick-release mechanism causing the pouch to open, and enabling the garment to be deployed and donned.

Abstract: A sports garment having a section covering the upper part of the body of a wearer during intended use of the garment, wherein a climate zone is arranged in the region covering each axillary area of the wearer during intended use. To improve the cooling of the axillary area efficiently, the climate zone has a plurality of fins which are arranged parallel to another and which are contacting the skin of the wearer during intended use of the garment, wherein the fins are extending along a defined height over a base material of the garment, wherein the fins are arranged in such a manner that the envelope of all fins has a kite-shape or rhomb-shape seen in the direction perpendicular onto the base material of the garment.

Abstract: A flexible film article includes: a film body having opposite first and second surfaces, and at least one surrounding surface extending from the first surface to the second surface and defining a through hole extending through the film body; at least one central member spaced apart from the surrounding surface; and a plurality of spaced-apart extending members, each of which having two opposite ends connected to the surrounding surface and the central member, respectively. The spaced-apart extending members, the central member, and the surrounding surface cooperatively define spaced-apart micropores for passing of a gaseous substance therethrough.

Abstract: A heat shielding sleeve defining a limb placement zone and including an installed position encapsulating a user's limb and an uninstalled position removed from a user's limb. The heat shielding sleeve further comprises an elastic or semi-elastic outer layer operably configured to enclose a user's leg and a secondary layer defined by a plurality of raised members wherein the secondary layer and the plurality of raised members are comprised of a thermally insulating material. The secondary layer further defines a plurality of exhaust apertures designed to provide thermal venting of the user's skin. The heat shielding sleeve is designed to protect motorcycle riders' and passengers' lower limbs from burns caused when riders and passengers come into physical contact with a motorcycle's exhaust pipes or the gas emissions emanating therefrom, while providing a comfortable and breathable garment sleeve that may be operably adjusted to the comfort of the user.

Abstract: An article of apparel is disclosed that includes zones with a textile having a structure than changes or is otherwise modified by a physical stimulus, such as the presence of water or a temperature change, to modify a property of the textile. The zones may be along a center back area and/or side areas of the apparel, and the textile may increase in air permeability when exposed to water. In some embodiments, slits are formed in the textile.

Abstract: An upper torso article of clothing having a skirt with a body, and inner and outer edges. Extending from the inner edge are first and second joining edges that have a common vertex. A belt has first and second belt edges, an exterior face, an interior face, and belt fasteners. A section of the belt is fixed to the first and second joining edges. The skirt is joined to the interior face at the section respectively, whereby the first belt edge is fixed to the first and second joining edges, and the second belt edge is fixed to the skirt. The belt has first and second belt ends. The first belt end extends from the inner edge a first predetermined distance, the second belt end extends from the inner edge a second predetermined distance, and the first and second predetermined distances are not equal.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve having a proximal end opposite a distal end, a cutout formed through the tubular sleeve proximate the distal end, a first panel having at least a trailing edge and spanning a first portion of the cutout, a second panel having at least a leading edge and a trailing edge and spanning a second portion of the cutout, and a third panel having at least a leading edge and spanning a third portion of the cutout. The second panel may overlap the first panel across the entire width of the cutout such that the second-panel leading edge is distal to the first-panel trailing edge. The third panel may overlap the second panel across the entire width of the cutout such that the third-panel leading edge is distal to the second-panel trailing edge. In some aspects, a mitten may be affixed to an interior surface of the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: An apparel top for use by a user is worn about a user torso and a user waist. The top includes an outer shell portion having first and second panels, a back panel, shell outside and inside surfaces, and a bottom edge. The apparel top includes a snow gaiter having upper and lower gaiter edges, first and second gaiter ends, and gaiter inner and outer surfaces. The upper gaiter edge is attached to the outer shell portion at the shell inside surface and extends along the first front panel, the back panel and the second front panel. The lower gaiter edge is generally positionable about the user waist relative to the user torso with the lower gaiter edge extending away from the user torso. The top includes a liquid bladder sized and configured to be inflated with a liquid. The liquid bladder is attached to the snow gaiter.

Abstract: A double breasted raincoat has a body, two sleeves, a first collar, two cover sheets, a second collar, and at least one mounting element. The body has a top portion, a left portion, a right portion, a back sheet, a left front sheet, a right front sheet, a neckline, and two cuffs. The neckline is formed thorough the top portion of the body. The two cuffs are respectively formed through the left portion and the right portion of the body. The two sleeves are respectively connected with edges of the two cuffs. The first collar is connected with an edge of the neckline. The second collar is mounted on an inner surface of the first collar. The at least one mounting element is mounted on a right side edge of the left cover sheet and a left side edge of the right cover sheet.

Abstract: An article of apparel is disclosed that is at least partially formed from a material element having a substrate and a plurality of projections. The substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The projections extend from the first surface of the substrate, and the projections each have terminal ends located opposite the substrate. The material element has a first permeability when the first surface has a convex configuration, and the material element has a second permeability when the first surface has a concave configuration, the first permeability being greater than the second permeability. The apparel may be reversible such that either the first surface or the second surface of the substrate faces outward.

Abstract: Garments may include targeted vent or heat retention zones including openings or heat insulation areas in the fabric of various different sizes. The locations and sizes of these openings or heat insulation areas, at least in part, may be determined based on a thermal profile of a body from which the garment is designed. For example, openings or heat insulation areas of a larger size may be provided in the garment at locations where the body typically releases a large amount of heat, and openings or heat insulation areas of smaller sizes may be provided at other locations, e.g., where the body releases less heat. Several thermal profiles may be collected and used to develop a collection of opening patterns, e.g., corresponding to specific body characteristics, body types, and/or ultimate end uses for the garment. Custom patterns may be determined and used in garments specially designed for individual users.

Abstract: A cold-weather apparel item configured to promote breathability, provide warmth, and minimize distractions is provided herein. The cold-weather apparel item is formed from a composite fabric that is breathable and repels water. The cold-weather apparel item further comprises at least a hood lock cord system that maintains the hood of the apparel item in a secure position while not being used, inflow air ducts and outflow air ducts to provide ventilation, and a layered thumbhole assembly with overlapping panels that fits snugly around a wearer's thumbs when used.

Abstract: A garment having a vent which has an upper panel and a lower panel, wherein the upper panel has a lower end portion and the lower panel has an upper end portion, and the lower end portion of the upper panel overlaps the upper end portion of the lower panel to form an opening, wherein the vent further has a gutter extending into the opening to trap rain travelling through the opening.

Abstract: Headgear as provided herein includes a light source for providing light away therefrom, a rechargeable battery for providing power to the light source, and a solar panel for recharging the rechargeable battery mounted thereto. The headgear can include a housing configured to at least partially receive the light source, the solar panel, and the rechargeable battery therein. The housing is configured to mount to the hat and orient the electronic components in desired configurations.

Abstract: A garment in a preferred embodiment includes front, rear and first and second side panels and a hood all formed from a single piece of a high performance, water-proof, breathable material. The user may use releasable fasteners affixed above fixed connection points along each opposite side of the front and rear panels to adjust the size of the sleeve openings. Releasable fasteners are provided below the fixed connection points to allow the user to open or close the side edges of the front and rear panels below the fixed connection points. A plurality of releasable fasteners is provided along the bottom edges of the front and rear panels to allow the user to selectively adjust the fit about the user's torso.

Abstract: Articles of apparel and a method for manufacturing an article of apparel are disclosed. An insulation layer for an article of apparel may include a flexible polyurethane foam. The foam may be generated by polymerization in a pressurizable chamber at a pressure sufficient to prevent the foam from completely filling the chamber. A shell layer may include wind resistant, breathable material. The shell layer may include an outer layer of the article of apparel.

Abstract: A breathable and waterproof composite fabric includes: a fabric sheet having opposite first and second surfaces and defining a plurality of micropores extending through the first and second surfaces; and a waterproof plastic film of a non-porous material that is bonded to the first surface of the fabric sheet, that conforms to the first surface of the fabric sheet, and that is perforated to form a plurality of hollow protrusions extending into the micropores, respectively. The plastic film has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface is in contact with the first surface of the fabric sheet. Each of the hollow protrusions defines a channel that extends through the inner and outer surfaces for imparting breathability to the plastic film.

Abstract: Drip collar which includes a tubular sleeve body that is made of a flexible material having an open first end and an open second end, the first end having a surface extending around an entire circumference of the sleeve body that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve body. The first end of the sleeve body further having a drip kerchief contiguous with the surface of the first end, the drip kerchief comprising a folded-over portion (1) extending around the circumference of the first end, and (2) extending from the first end towards the second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable, vented, and insulating cold weather garments. More particularly, the present invention relates to garments with chambers to retain an insulating fill material. Perforations along the seams between the insulating chambers may achieve optimal evaporative moisture transfer from the inside (proximal to the body of a wearer) of the garment to the outside environment.

Abstract: A thermal energy dissipating garment may include a first garment portion having a perimeter defined by at least a first side and a second garment portion having a perimeter defined by at least a vent side. The first garment portion and the second garment portion are discontinuously affixed to each other at defined intervals along a surface of each portion proximate to the first side and the vent side creating a vent seam having a plurality of ducts/scalloped vents for directing air towards a body of a wearer. The plurality of scalloped vents are oriented with an angle of attack that redirects air from the exterior of the garment to the interior of the garment to increase air movement along a wearer's skin.

Abstract: A method for creating rainwear that is waterproof yet allows the body's heat and moisture to vent is disclosed, including a shell and a liner, wherein the shell material is waterproof, and the liner material is waterproof and may or may not be breathable and vents placed at intervals in the fabric of the liner that allow for free air flow between the interior and exterior of the garment to achieve breathability by virtue of the vents. The garment may be made of materials that are inherently flame resistant for use where there is a danger of flash fire, such as high-voltage electrical work and petroleum production. In some embodiments, vents are inserted within apertures defined by a garment and include a base with inner and outer ridges surrounding a central opening and a cover having a perimeter extending between the inner and outer ridges.

Abstract: A privacy garment system comprising a coat having an inner surface defining an inner volume, an outer surface, a first end, a second end, and opposing joinable seam ends extending between said first end and said second end and defining a front section. The embodiment further comprises a hat fastenable to the first end of said coat, which hat has a crown with an inner surface defining a head volume, an outer surface, and a pocket formed between said inner surface and said outer surface. The coat may be configured into a compact state having a coat volume that is less than the pocket volume for storage or transport.

Abstract: A wearable poncho for allowing a user exposed to an extreme temperature, whether extreme heat or extreme cold, to selectably cover their body or a body part so as to allow the user to obtain protection from said extreme temperature. The wearable poncho comprises a modified poncho base having a watertight outer nylon layer, an insulation layer disposed inside said nylon layer, and a gel layer disposed inside said insulation layer, wherein the poncho base includes a receiving opening adapted to receive a head, a head covering hood disposed near said receiving opening, and an elongated sealable closure. This structure allows the wearable poncho to provide portable protection from not just precipitation and cold, but from extreme cold and extreme heat, without having to be preheated or pre-cooled by some external means.

Abstract: An insulating garment includes an inner fabric having a knitted laminar structure adapted to absorb perspiration of a user. The inner fabric utilizes polymer fibers and a mixture of polyamide and polyester multifilaments present in an amount of between 30-50% and have a thickness between 0.3-3 dtex. An outer fabric has a knitted laminar structure and an inner surface including a moisture repellent finish adapted to repel perspiration of a user. The outer fabric utilizes polyester-brushed cotton threads in an amount of between 40-60% of the fabric. The end portions of the inner and outer fabrics are stitched together to form an air chamber there between. In use, perspiration from a user is absorbed by the inner fabric into the air chamber, where it can evaporate.

Abstract: A garment containing a breathable laminate that is optionally bonded to an outer layer fabric and an optional inner layer fabric. The breathable laminate is constructed from a microporous membrane situated in a face to face relationship with a nanoweb and optionally bonded thereto.

Abstract: A garment can include at least one opening that allows the garment to be opened up such that a restraint mechanism can be easily secured to a user when opened. The at least one opening can include left and right openings that extend from a bottom most periphery of a torso portion and along respective sleeves of the garment. The garment can be combined with a child seat for use in a vehicle. Each of the openings can either extend entirely through an outermost portion of a respective sleeve cuff or be stoppable immediately adjacent the cuff such that the cuff remains in annular form during use. A method for using the garment and system includes placing a user into a seat while the user is wearing the garment and then attaching the restraint mechanism to the user via the at least one opening of the garment.

Abstract: A garment for protection from the elements includes a blanket defined by an upper edge, a lower edge and a first side edge and a second side edge disposed between and connecting the upper edge and the lower edge, the upper edge, the lower edge, and the first side edge and the second side edge together forming a substantially rectangular shape, a hood connected to the blanket along the upper edge, a seat cushion assembly disposed on the blanket, the seat cushion assembly including a seat cushion pocket and a seat cushion removably disposed in the seat cushion pocket, and an attachment device attached to the seat cushion assembly circumscribing a waist of a wearer.

Abstract: A ventilating raincoat with bay windows, comprising: a raincoat having a plurality of vent units arranged at a predetermined position thereof; and a plurality of bay windows arranged at an external surface of each vent unit, and having a top edge, two side edges extended downward from both sides of the top edge and a cover surface arranged between the top edge and the two side edges to form a hollow cover body with a downward opening between the raincoat and the bay window. Moreover, the top edge and the two side edges of the bay window form an inverted U-shaped structure made of a flexible and elastic material for the cover surface to have a support strength; such that the cover surface does not deform, remaining a ventilating path between an inner edge of the hollow cover body and the surface of the raincoat.

Abstract: Novel aqueous polyurethane dispersions and shaped three dimensional articles formed therefrom are provided. The aqueous polyurethane dispersions are provided in solvent-free systems of a prepolymer comprising at least one polyether, polyester, or polycarbonate polyol, a mixture of MDI isomers, and a diol. The shaped articles from such dispersions can be heat-activated for bonding, lamination, and adhesion of substrates, including stretch fabrics.

Abstract: Breathable, water resistant protective articles, such as garments, sleeping bags, and the like, which are readily packable into small volumes. The articles are constructed from an outer layer comprising a laminate of a textile bonded to a barrier layer, an insulation layer and an inner layer comprising an air permeable textile.

Abstract: A shower shirt has waterproof seals at its neck opening, arm openings and shirt bottom to prevent water from contacting a person's body that is enclosed by the shirt. The shower shirt also has one or more pockets sized to support post surgical devices associated with the patient such as drain tubes, bulbs, dialysis/external catheters, wound vac and infusion pumps. The shower shirt can also include baffles to provide additional lateral breast support to the patient.

Abstract: Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described.

Abstract: A composite wind barrier fabric having the ability to maintain a high MVTR while controlling air permeability. The fabric has a nanofiber layer optionally welded to, and in a face-to-face relationship with, a fabric layer. Optionally a second fabric layer is welded adjacent to and in a face-to-face relationship with the nanofiber layer and on the opposite side of the nanofiber layer to the first fabric layer. The fabric has a Frazier air permeability of between about 1.2 m3/m2/min and about 7.6 m3/m2/min, and an MVTR per ASTM E-96B method of greater than about 500 g/m2/day. The nanofiber layer is dyed over at least a portion or all of its surface or both.

Abstract: A protective garment for use while cleansing at least a portion of a user's body including: a lower garment, wherein the lower garment is adapted to releasably shield at least a portion of at least one lower extremity of an associated user while exposing an associated user's anal region; wherein the lower garment comprises a flexible, substantially waterproof member which includes: an upper region, wherein the upper region comprises a lower garment securement member which enables substantially water-tight releasable securement of the lower garment to an associated user; and a lower region, wherein the lower region and the upper region are spaced apart from one another to define a lower garment length. The protective garment optionally includes an upper garment and/or a base member.

Abstract: An article of apparel is disclosed that is at least partially formed from a material element having a substrate and a plurality of projections. The substrate has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The projections extend from the first surface of the substrate, and the projections each have terminal ends located opposite the substrate. The material element has a first permeability when the first surface has a convex configuration, and the material element has a second permeability when the first surface has a concave configuration, the first permeability being greater than the second permeability. The apparel may be reversible such that either the first surface or the second surface of the substrate faces outward.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wearable blanket having arm extensions, a hooded region and a body structure that forms a wearable outerwear blanket for cold and wet conditions. The blanket comprises an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the outer layer comprises a waterproof and wind-breaking covering that is adapted to prevent water and wind penetration. The inner layer is a padded, insulative layer that is adapted to keep the user beneath the blanket warm and shielded from the cold. The garment is adapted to act as a wearable blanket and shroud that is particularly useful in harsh outdoor environments, particularly camping outings and sporting events in foul weather conditions. The edges of the blanket form together in front of the user and are securable to envelope the midsection and legs of a user within the interior of the garment, while the hood further shrouds the head of the user.

Abstract: A vapor permeable retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture. The non-continuous retroreflective pattern may include retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions arranged such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective material was not present.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a cold-weather garment. In one exemplary embodiment, a long-sleeve upper-body cold-weather garment includes a torso portion and two sleeve portions that are attached to and extend from opposite edges of the torso portion. The torso portion is made from a first material and the sleeve portions are each made from a second material. The first material is lighter per unit area and more breathable than the second material. The second material is heavier per unit area than the first material, but is more resistant to cold-weather environmental conditions. For example, the second material is water resistant, flame resistant and comprises an outer surface having a camouflage pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polyester fiber having excellent antibacterial performance, deodorizing performance, and stain resistance together with sufficient durability; a method for producing the same; a cloth; a textile product; and a polyester formed article. The polyester fiber, cloth, or polyester formed article has a pH of less than 7.0 achieved by subjecting a polyester fiber, a cloth, or a polyester formed article containing a polyester copolymerized with an ester-forming metal sulfonate compound and/or an ester-forming phosphonium sulfonate compound to an acid treatment, or alternatively by applying a processing liquid having a pH of less than 7.0 to a polyester fiber, a cloth, or a polyester formed article.

Abstract: Waterproof moisture-permeable fabric for clothing which includes, on one side of a polyester fabric A, a waterproof moisture-permeable layer B including a colorless transparent polyester film stacked, and a white or gray resin C partially stacked, and clothing including the waterproof moisture-permeable fabric. Preferably, a moisture-permeable polymer resin D containing inorganic fine particles is stacked on the waterproof moisture-permeable layer B, and the white or gray resin C is partially stacked thereon.

Abstract: A stretchable chemical protective material is described comprising a selectively permeable chemical protective film and an elastic textile. Further described are methods for making a stretchable chemical protective material and methods of using the same. Materials made from these methods may have improved flex durability. Garments made from these materials may have improved heat loss.

Abstract: Vapor permeable retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture. The non continuous retroreflective pattern may include retroreflective regions and non retroreflective regions arranged such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective material was not present.

Abstract: A garment includes a moisture barrier layer and a thermal barrier layer connected to the moisture barrier layer by at least one seam extending along a perimeter portion of the thermal barrier layer and enclosing a space between the moisture barrier layer and the thermal barrier layer. The garment also has an inspection port in the thermal barrier layer, the inspection port spaced apart from the perimeter portion of the thermal barrier layer, wherein the space between the moisture barrier layer and the thermal barrier layer is accessible through the inspection port.